A group of House Democrats urges the Trump administration to retract a proposal to overhaul the NIH federal grantmaking process. Critics argue this change could allow political influence in scientific research funding decisions.
House Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats expressed concern in a letter to NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya. They fear the proposal might severely impact the nation’s biomedical research by undermining the role of scientific experts in grant approvals.
Prominent signatories include Energy and Commerce ranking member Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.), Health Subcommittee ranking member Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee ranking member Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.).
The proposal appeared without much notice last month. It seeks to lessen the importance of peer review and grant more discretion to political appointees, potentially aligning research priorities with presidential policy agendas.
The Democrats highlight concerns that the proposal might allow NIH funding to be influenced by politics rather than scientific value. They also note possible risks to diversity, equity, and inclusion research, and restrictions on international collaborations.
The White House defends the rule as promoting transparency and reducing inefficiency and malpractice in government spending. Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), backs the changes.
Democrats are seeking answers from Bhattacharya and urge him to push OMB to reverse the proposal. Although Congress’s Republican majority limits its ability to intervene, the rule could face legal challenges if implemented.
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